Japanese specialist seminar

A large number of participants from leading Japanese suppliers of metalworking fluids and greases attended when Nynas organised a future-oriented seminar about lubricants.

Traditionally, Japanese companies have primarily used domestic suppliers, but in recent years it has become increasingly common for them to turn to foreign business partners as well. This was also the reason why Nynas, after many years of deliberations, decided to open a representative office in Tokyo in 2014.

“Apart from the domestic business opportunities, there’s significant potential for us to acquire internationally oriented customers thanks to the large number of Japanese customers that are active in the global market,” says Shigeru Sano, General Manager Nynas Japan.

Many manufacturers in Japan are looking for high-quality metalworking fluids (MWF) and greases. This was the background to a seminar organized by Nynas at the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo in early March.

“We have a very strong position globally when it comes to supplying base oils for these kinds of products. Because the Japanese oil market will in future be dominated by three big companies, there are concerns about poorer reliability of supply in the base oil market. In this context Nynas can play an important role,” believes Shigeru Sano.

There was a high level of interest in the Tokyo seminar. The hundred or so participants included representatives from leading Japanese companies in the MWF, greases and chemical industries.

Following an introductory presentation by Pascal Verhoie, Regional Director Nynas AMEA, a number of key areas were covered, for example current trends in the lubricating oil industry in the USA, Europe and Asia. Another important area discussed was the situation resulting from the closure of several Group 1 refineries, which has direct consequences for industrial lubricant manufacturers.

The ultimate aim of the seminar was to provide participants with a comprehensive picture of developments in the lubricating oil industry on a global level – both threats and opportunities – and also to highlight how Nynas can support players in the industry.

Japanese suppliers of base oils normally use relatively light crude oils. This means that their customers run the risk in future of experiencing a shortage of highly viscous naphthenic oils.

“Nynas’ strength is that our portfolio of oils contains the whole spectrum, from low to high viscosity. We also comply with the requirements of Reach environmental legislation, which means that there are no problems for those customers who export to Europe. Our global supply chain also guarantees that we can supply the same products all over the world,” summarises Shigeru Sano.

Traditionally, Japanese companies have primarily used domestic suppliers, but in recent years it has become increasingly common for them to turn to foreign business partners as well. This was also the reason why Nynas, after many years of deliberations, decided to open a representative office in Tokyo in 2014.

“Apart from the domestic business opportunities, there’s significant potential for us to acquire internationally oriented customers thanks to the large number of Japanese customers that are active in the global market,” says Shigeru Sano, General Manager Nynas Japan.

Many manufacturers in Japan are looking for high-quality metalworking fluids (MWF) and greases. This was the background to a seminar organized by Nynas at the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo in early March.

“We have a very strong position globally when it comes to supplying base oils for these kinds of products. Because the Japanese oil market will in future be dominated by three big companies, there are concerns about poorer reliability of supply in the base oil market. In this context Nynas can play an important role,” believes Shigeru Sano.

There was a high level of interest in the Tokyo seminar. The hundred or so participants included representatives from leading Japanese companies in the MWF, greases and chemical industries.

Following an introductory presentation by Pascal Verhoie, Regional Director Nynas AMEA, a number of key areas were covered, for example current trends in the lubricating oil industry in the USA, Europe and Asia. Another important area discussed was the situation resulting from the closure of several Group 1 refineries, which has direct consequences for industrial lubricant manufacturers.

The ultimate aim of the seminar was to provide participants with a comprehensive picture of developments in the lubricating oil industry on a global level – both threats and opportunities – and also to highlight how Nynas can support players in the industry.

Japanese suppliers of base oils normally use relatively light crude oils. This means that their customers run the risk in future of experiencing a shortage of highly viscous naphthenic oils.

“Nynas’ strength is that our portfolio of oils contains the whole spectrum, from low to high viscosity. We also comply with the requirements of Reach environmental legislation, which means that there are no problems for those customers who export to Europe. Our global supply chain also guarantees that we can supply the same products all over the world,” summarises Shigeru Sano.

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Further reading

Head of Secondary Distribution since 2011, Rogier oversees and coordinates transport-related (when the product ends up on wheels) issues across the globe with suppliers, naphthenic affiliates and customers. He joined Nynas in 2005 as General Manager Naphthenics Benelux, after having worked for 20 years at a major French oil company. Rogier holds a Master’s degree in Business Management, and has also studied Mechanical Engineering. Find out what's on his mind.

With an electric car revolution on its way and an ever-growing appetite for mobile phones, computers and other gadgets, the world needs to find solutions to increase supply and optimise the use of lithium. Part of that solution comes in the form of naphthenic oils.